Wildlife help topics - BC SPCA
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Wildlife help topics

Ever wonder how to tell ducklings and goslings apart? At first glance they look similar, but they have distinct differences in colour and size. Mallard ducklings are much smaller than Canada Goose goslings. Mallard ducklings have dark chocolate brown and yellow markings with a dark line through their eye. Goslings are an olive-green and yellow colour, and do not have the dark line through their eye.

canada geese and mallard ducklings together
Spot the difference – Canada geese on the left, mallard ducklings on the right

If you find a duckling or gosling wandering alone, with no adults or other babies nearby, they need help. Contact your local wildlife rehabilitation centre or our Animal Helpline at 1-855-622-7722.

Photo by Tony Pace